4 Clever & Creative Ways to Save Money

Clever & Creative Ways to Save Money: These tips reveal unexpected methods my family uses to cut costs, offering practical tips for anyone looking to save.

My family has used some unexpected ways to save money over the years. These methods aren’t possible for everyone to use, but they work!

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Unexpected way to save money #1: Cancel Amazon Prime

The RaLea of 10 years ago would not believe this. Even two years ago, pregnant and with a 3-year-old, I would never have considered canceling Prime. But I did just that earlier this month!

Part of the reason for this move is to save the annual fee, but it’s also my small form of protest in reaction to Jeff Bezos’ employment practices and huge wealth gains (with no reciprocal societal improvements) during the pandemic. 

I don’t support these things, and I want my spending to reflect that. If you don’t pay attention to where your money goes, there are endless subscriptions and fees that can eat away at your hard-earned money.

Where I live, I have the option to do drive-up order pickup from both Target and Wal-Mart, so I can easily and safely get most essentials fairly quickly. Lately, Target has even had faster shipping than Amazon Prime’s “two-day shipping,” plus, it’s still possible to get free shipping from Amazon without a Prime membership. I take advantage of these better deals and free shipping options to save more money without sacrificing convenience.

I also still have access to the paid subscriptions we use all the time: Amazon Music and Kindle Unlimited. 

Once in-person shopping is safer, I plan to support local businesses as much as I can. Many small businesses also offer online shopping, which is a clever way to spend my hard-earned money while supporting those in my community. After we’re out of debt and have extra cash to spend on non-essentials, I’ll be looking for better rates and better deals from smaller shops rather than larger corporations.

In the long run, making decisions like this can add up to big savings for your personal finances. Whether it’s cutting back on a subscription service like Amazon Prime or choosing a better deal from your local grocery store, small amounts here and there can lead to financial security over time. It’s all about being mindful of your spending habits and taking small change and turning it into savings.

Annual savings: $119

Unexpected way to save money #2: use wood heat

When my husband and I bought our house in March of 2011, it only had a propane furnace. We used the furnace as needed until September, when we had a wood-burning stove installed. Since then, the wood stove has been our main heat source, with the furnace acting as a backup during the night or when we’re out of town.

This arrangement works for us because my husband is the kind of guy who loves cutting firewood on his days off. When we drive past pine trees, he often points them out, saying things like, “That’s a nice tree” or “Look at all these dead trees.” He would spend every day in the woods if he could, so cutting firewood has become more of a hobby than a chore.

While the start-up costs of installing a wood stove were pretty steep (we paid around $3,500 for the stove and installation back in 2011), the quality of heat is far superior to a traditional furnace. Wood heat is more intense, warmer, and fluctuates much less. In Montana, a wood-cutting permit costs less than $30 for 4 cords of firewood, which is about the amount we use annually. Plus, you can only cut dead trees on specific public lands, and there are rules about staying a certain distance from waterways.

You’ll need a chainsaw and protective gear to cut your own wood, but safety is key. If you’re a beginner, I wouldn’t recommend trying to cut down trees or use a chainsaw without the proper training

If you need to buy the wood, your costs will rise, and your homeowners insurance premium could increase as well. Our insurance required us to have the stove installed by a professional. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider and ensure your policy covers the stove, since there’s a fire risk.

Even though it comes with some upfront costs, using wood heat has helped us cut down on energy costs and can be a great way to save money in the long term. And if you can find a better deal on firewood or cut your own, that’s extra money in your pocket. 

Whether you’re looking to save on monthly expenses or searching for one more way to get closer to your financial goals, such as building an emergency fund, making the switch to wood heat might be worth considering.

Estimated annual savings: $1400

Unexpected way to save money #3: hunt & buying bulk meat

Once again, this money-saving method is largely thanks to my husband’s interests. He grew up hunting and has kept that tradition alive since moving out of his parents’ home. Over the past 14 years of grocery shopping together, we’ve never bought ground meat and have only purchased beef steaks a few times.

Hunting

The first step to hunting is taking a hunter’s safety course, which might be required in your state. You’ll also need a hunting tag and should know where you’re allowed to hunt. Always stick to public land, and make sure you get permission before hunting on private property.

Hunting gear like rifles, bows, and clothing can be expensive at first, but most of it lasts for years. A smart way to save money is to plan ahead. Setting a monthly budget for hunting can help you avoid relying on your credit card when costs start adding up.

Travel costs related to getting to hunting spots can add up, so it’s smart to plan for those too. Look for special offers on lodging and discounts on travel. And avoid impulse buys stops at coffee shops and whatnot. Also, why not bring your water bottle on your hunting trip instead of constantly buying bottled water?

Hunting can help you meet your savings goals by providing meat, which cuts down on grocery bills. It’s a fun way to stay on track with your budget while working toward your long-term goals. With a little planning, hunting can be a solid way for your household to save some money while enjoying an outdoorsy lifestyle.

Butchering

Most years, we butcher the deer or elk ourselves to save money. My husband does the cutting, and I help grind it into burger. Wild game is pretty lean, so we add a little beef fat, called suet, for flavor and texture. We get the suet from a local butcher shop, which is a clever way to save while supporting small businesses.

A few years ago, we upgraded to a bigger meat grinder after burning out the motor on our old one. We also buy bags for our vacuum sealer, which works better than butcher paper. The vacuum-sealed bags keep the meat flat, so it thaws faster and saves us time.

If you can’t or don’t want to process the meat yourself, you will have to pay a butcher. The cost varies by area and species of animal. To help store the large quantities of meat we use each year, we have two upright freezers, one for meat and one for produce and store-bought frozen foods. I was lucky enough to find a great deal on Facebook Marketplace for significantly less than a new freezer. 

Cooking

Fortunately, everyone in my family enjoys the taste of wild game. Some people don’t care for it, though, so I’d recommend trying the meat first before investing in hunting gear and education. I use ground elk and venison just like I would ground beef, except when making hamburger patties. For those, I use more seasoning than I would with beef.

Buying bulk meat

We still buy chicken from the grocery store, but I prefer buying ½ a pig from a semi-local farmer. I pay for the animal plus the butcher fees, but it ends up being less than buying smaller packages at the store each week.

The quality of locally raised animals is better too, and I get some control over the cuts we receive. For our wild game, we make more ground beef than steaks because that’s what we eat most.

Affordable beef or pork can be hard to find. Both my husband and I grew up on cattle ranches, so we have a few connections that help out. Another option is buying an animal through the county fair from an FFA or 4-H member. It’s one of the best ways to save much money on high-quality meat, and it’s a clever way to get a great deal while supporting local youth programs too.

Estimated annual savings: $500

Unexpected way to save money #4: garden & preserve

Our home sits on nearly half an acre, so we have plenty of space for a garden. About eight years ago, my husband even designed and built a greenhouse to help extend our growing season. However, you don’t need a large space or a greenhouse to get started with gardening.

I’ve noticed gardening becoming more popular recently, and I think it will continue to grow as we recover from the pandemic. The desire for self-sufficiency feels more important than ever.

We’ve been gardening long before it was a trend, but I wouldn’t call myself an expert. Since we had kids, my husband has taken on most of the planning and work, while I focus on taking care of the girls. It’s a team effort, and we’re still learning as we go.

Freezing

If you’re looking for clever ways to stick to meal planning and save money, learn how to freeze excess veggies and other garden produce. 

I help preserve our garden harvest so we can enjoy it all year. 

We’ve had good luck with crops like broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, beets, and peas. Unfortunately, carrots and corn just don’t work for us. Freezing what we do grow is a great way to save on our grocery list and cut down on food waste. And we can pull out exactly what we need without rushing to the store and buying extra. 

To freeze the veggies, I clean and chop them, then blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes. After draining, I lay them on a wax paper-lined baking sheet and pop it in the freezer. Once they’re frozen, I vacuum seal and store them. It’s an easy ay to make sure we have veggies on hand without worrying about impulse spending or fresh produce going to waste.

Canning

We also can syrup, jelly, jam, pickled beets, applesauce, fruit in syrup, and a variety of pickles. I’ve bought bulk produce on sale from local grocery stores, a nearby Hutterite colony, and from Bountiful Baskets. This practice can ultimately help you spend less money on fresh produce, especially when you buy in bulk.

To get started with canning, you’ll need a few essential supplies: jars, lids, rings, and at least a water bath canner. I also recommend taking a safe canning class, as outdated methods can be misleading. Botulism is a real risk with improper canning, so you want to follow safe practices.

I took a class through the county extension office, which was incredibly helpful. While I was probably the youngest in the room by a couple of decades, it was still valuable, and I’d bet the age range is shifting younger these days, especially with more people looking for clever ways to save money and become more self-sufficient and food-secure.

Canning not only helps us feed the family, but I also love giving away jars of homemade goodies as frugal Christmas gifts. With all the therapists in my daughter’s life, gift-buying can get pricey, so having homemade jams and jellies around make a big difference. 

They make for thoughtful, low-cost gifts that everyone appreciates. Plus, it’s a nice way to support family members and spread the love to friends and neighbors without breaking the bank. When you  plan meals around produce you already have stocked, you’re able to make your household items stretch that much further without going over budget.

Dehydrating

Finally, we recently bought a dehydrator and have started making dried apple slices for snacks. My husband also dehydrated plums to make prunes and tried bananas, but neither of those products really caught on in our house. This summer, I’m excited to experiment with making fruit leather using special liners for the dehydrator trays.

How much we preserve each year really depends on the garden’s harvest and the amount of free time we have, which changes as our kids grow and go through different stages. Some years, we’re able to preserve a lot, while other years, it’s more of a smaller, manageable amount. This summer, I want to try to make fruit leather using special liners for the dehydrator trays. 

How much we preserve each year depends on the garden’s harvest and the amount of free time we have, which changes as our kids go through different stages.

Estimated annual savings: $300

As you can tell, most of these money saving methods have startup costs. We can do all these things because we’ve acquired the supplies over years, either purchasing them ourselves or receiving them as gifts from family. 

If you’re on a tight budget, choose one area to focus on. 

You can’t buy all the things at once and expect to actually save money. 

It took a couple of years for our wood stove to pay for itself. The dehydrator we bought last year still hasn’t “earned its keep.” When shopping around for a bigger purchase like this, I always use Rakuten for cashback and also try to use gift cards to help with the cost.

Beyond the startup costs, knowledge is required to do some of these things safely and legally, and it takes time to learn everything necessary. I can’t cut firewood or hunt on my own.

Other ways to save money

Cutting streaming services 

This is one of those unexpected ways to save money. I realized how much we were spending on subscriptions after taking a good look at our budget. At first, streaming seemed like a cheaper alternative to cable, but those monthly charges add up fast.

So, I decided to cancel a few services, and the savings were instant. Sure, it was tough to give up some shows, but there are plenty of free options out there. Platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and YouTube offer tons of content without a subscription.

Here’s another simple trick: Sharing accounts with family or friends. Instead of paying for separate subscriptions, we all share one account. It’s a small change that really cuts costs without losing access to our favorite shows.

If you’re looking to save a little cash, cutting back on streaming services might be an easy win. You’d be surprised how much it adds up when you cancel the ones you don’t need.

Work on your credit score

Improving your credit score can save you a lot of money. When your credit report displays a higher score, you’ll qualify for a lower interest rate on things like credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages. This can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest over time.

A good credit score can also make a difference with student loans and medical bills. You could pay less interest or avoid full-price charges on medical bills, making a big impact on your finances. Plus, having good credit opens the door to rewards cards. These cards offer perks like cash back or travel points, which is essentially free money.

Better credit can also lower your insurance premiums and electric bill. Many companies offer better rates based on your credit score. You might also find better deals on gym memberships or home repairs.

To keep your credit score in good shape, make sure you pay your bills on time. Setting up automatic transfers for monthly payments is a great way to avoid missing any. Also, consider opening a high-yield savings account or money market account. You’ll grow your savings while building your credit at the same time.

In the end, a better credit score means spending less on things like a new car, date nights, and everyday expenses. It’s an easy way to keep more money in your pocket.

Get a library card…and use it

Instead of buying books or renting movies, you can borrow them for free. And it’s not just physical books. Most libraries offer eBooks, audiobooks, and even streaming services.

But that’s not all. 

Many libraries have free workshops, fitness classes, and language tools. They might also offer job search help, career advice, and access to online resources.

Some libraries even partner with local businesses for exclusive discounts. Plus, they offer access to useful databases for everything from research to family history or investing. So, with a library card, you’re saving money on entertainment while learning a ton and growing as a person.

And you never know who you might meet there. It could be your next boss, business partner, or even your soulmate. Some of the best connections happen in libraries!

Start a side hustle

A side hustle is a creative way to save money by earning extra cash outside of your regular job. Take a close look at your skill set and see if you can turn your passions or talents into income. Whether it’s freelancing, selling handmade goods, teaching English, or even driving for a rideshare service, there are endless ways to bring in more money without overwhelming yourself.

What makes a side hustle so great is that it lets you use your free time or hobbies to boost your savings. Instead of taking on extra hours at a 9 to 5, you can earn on your own terms, making it both fun and flexible.

The best part? The money you make can go directly into your savings account or help you tackle big expenses like paying off debt or building an emergency fund without cutting into your regular budget or making major lifestyle changes.

A side hustle doesn’t just improve your finances. It can also teach you new skills, build confidence, and even open doors to future career opportunities. Whether you’re saving for something big or just padding your savings, a side hustle is one of the most creative and rewarding ways to save money and potentially transform your personal finances.

Pay less for stuff whenever you can

Not paying full price on anything is a creative way to save money, and it’s something even the wealthiest people do. It’s all about being strategic and looking for ways to get more value for your money. Whether it’s finding discounts, waiting for sales, using coupons, or buying second-hand, every little bit adds up over time.

Take Warren Buffett, one of the richest people in the world. Despite his massive fortune, he’s known for being incredibly frugal. For example, he still lives in the same house he bought in 1958 for $31,500. He’s also a fan of buying items on sale and getting the best deal possible, even when he doesn’t need to. Buffett’s approach shows that wealth doesn’t always come from spending big—it often comes from smart, creative money management, like never paying full price.

You don’t have to be a billionaire to adopt this mindset. You can start small by keeping an eye on sales, using cashback apps, shopping at thrift stores, or signing up for store loyalty programs. Even if it’s just a few bucks saved here and there, it all adds up, and over time, you’ll have more money for things that really matter.

The 30-day rule actually works

The 30-day rule is a simple yet effective way to save money by curbing impulse spending. When you feel tempted to buy something you don’t truly need, wait 30 days before making the purchase. Write it down or make a note in your phone, and after a month, see if you still want or need it.

Most of the time, the urge to buy will fade, and you’ll realize you didn’t need it after all. It’s a practical way to practice delayed gratification, helping you separate wants from needs. Instead of wasting money on things you’ll forget about in a week, you’ll keep more cash in your pocket and build meaningful savings over time.

What are some unexpected ways to save money you use in your life?

When it comes to saving money, small, intentional changes can make a big difference. You might cancel unused subscriptions, heat your home with wood to cut utility costs, or preserve food you’ve hunted or grown. These choices may not be for everyone, but they can lead to a more secure, self-sufficient lifestyle. Start with what fits your situation, and over time, those steps can add up to real financial stability.

What are some unexpected ways to save money you use in your life?